Top Hip Hop Artists: The Ultimate Ranking

From the gritty streets of the Bronx to sold-out stadiums and Super Bowl halftime shows, hip hop has grown from a local art form into a dominant global force. These top hip hop artists didn’t just make hits – they changed the culture, shaped style, and redefined music across generations.

Below, we break down the most influential names in hip hop history, from early pioneers to today’s chart kings. Whether you’re here for old-school legends, lyrical assassins, or modern-day superstars, this list of top hip hop music artists has it all.

🌐 What Defines a Top Hip Hop Artist?

To make this list, artists had to do more than just sell records. We looked at:

Chart-topping success (Billboard hits, album sales)
Cultural impact (style, slang, influence beyond music)
Lyrical prowess and innovation
Legacy and lasting influence on the genre

From fashion collabs to acting gigs and mogul status, these hip hop top artists have left their fingerprints all over modern culture.

🎵 The Top 50 Hip Hop Artists of All Time

Here begins the countdown of the top hip hop artists of all time, featuring their biggest moments, years active, and why they matter.

50. Whodini

Whodini brought funk and melody into hip-hop’s early DNA. With hits like “Friends” and “Freaks Come Out at Night,” they blended streetwise lyrics with electro beats and opened the door for pop-rap crossover. Though not as decorated as others, their sonic legacy lives on — especially among early 80s rap groups in the rise of the top hip-hop artists movement.

Years Active: 1982–1996
Chart Note: “Friends” entered the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984, marking one of the earliest mainstream chart appearances for a rap group.

49. Kool Moe Dee

A trailblazer in battle rap and lyrical complexity, Kool Moe Dee helped transition hip-hop from party rhymes to punchlines. His feud with LL Cool J is legendary, and his scholarly approach to rhyming earned respect long before rap was a global industry. A true early architect among the hip hop top artists.

Years Active: 1978–1997
Chart Note: His 1987 release How Ya Like Me Now peaked at #35 on the Billboard 200.

48. Pete Rock & CL Smooth

One of the most revered DJ-MC duos, Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s Mecca and the Soul Brother remains a top hip hop album of the ’90s. “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” is hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop songs ever for its emotional depth and jazzy production.

Years Active: 1991–1995
Chart Note: “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” spent one week at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart in 1992.

47. EPMD

With their smooth funk loops and slick wordplay, EPMD helped shape the East Coast hip-hop sound. Their albums Strictly Business and Unfinished Business were essential to golden era rap, cementing them as top hip hop music artists of the late ’80s and early ’90s.

Years Active: 1987–present
Chart Note: Strictly Business reached #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in 1988.

46. The Fugees

With just one landmark album (The Score), The Fugees etched their name into history. Blending reggae, soul, and conscious rap, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras brought global recognition to socially conscious hip hop. “Killing Me Softly” remains an all-time classic from one of the most unique top hip hop artists collectives.

Years Active: 1992–1997
Chart Note: The Score topped the Billboard 200 for two weeks in 1996 and was certified 7× Platinum in the U.S.

45. UGK (Underground Kingz)

Pimp C and Bun B helped put Southern rap on the map with raw tales of Texas street life. From Ridin’ Dirty to “Int’l Players Anthem,” UGK influenced a generation of Southern MCs and are foundational to the hip hop top artists movement in the South.

Years Active: 1987–2007
Chart Note: Ridin’ Dirty debuted at #15 on the Billboard 200 in 1996, a major achievement for a Southern rap group.

44. Ghostface Killah

Known for his vivid storytelling and emotional grit, Ghostface Killah is one of Wu-Tang Clan’s brightest solo stars. Albums like Supreme Clientele and Ironman established his signature mix of slang, soul samples, and personal reflection, making him a top hip hop artist of all time.

Years Active: 1992–present
Chart Note: Supreme Clientele peaked at #7 on the Billboard 200 in 2000, his highest-charting solo effort.

43. Busta Rhymes

Busta Rhymes’ rapid-fire delivery, animated videos, and larger-than-life presence made him a force in 90s and 2000s rap. From “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check” to “Break Ya Neck,” he brought chaos and charisma to every verse. Nine Grammy nominations highlight his longevity.

Years Active: 1991–present
Chart Note: His debut solo album The Coming reached #6 on the Billboard 200 in 1996.

42. Ice-T

A pioneer of gangsta rap, Ice-T’s 6 in the Mornin’ and Cop Killer (with Body Count) sparked controversy and change. His influence extends beyond music into film and TV. He’s one of the top selling hip hop artists of all time to also become a pop culture icon.

Years Active: 1982–present
Chart Note: O.G. Original Gangster peaked at #15 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in 1991.

41. Jungle Brothers

Blending hip hop, house, and Afrocentric themes, Jungle Brothers were early champions of experimental rap. As founding members of Native Tongues (with A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul), they helped shape the conscious rap movement and laid groundwork for genre fusion.

Years Active: 1987–present
Chart Note: Their debut Straight out the Jungle reached #30 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in 1988.

40. MC Lyte

A pioneering voice for women in hip hop, MC Lyte was the first solo female rapper to release a full album (Lyte as a Rock). Her powerful delivery, intelligent lyrics, and barrier-breaking presence paved the way for artists like Missy Elliott and Nicki Minaj. Among the most influential top hip hop music artists of the golden age.

Years Active: 1988–present
Chart Note: Lyte as a Rock reached #50 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in 1988, an important breakthrough for women in rap.

39. Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj broke barriers for women in hip hop with her theatrical style, chart-topping success, and versatile flow. With over 130 Billboard Hot 100 entries and multiple platinum albums, she stands among the top selling hip hop artist of all time. “Super Bass” and “Anaconda” remain pop-rap juggernauts.

Years Active: 2009–present
Chart Note: Nicki Minaj has achieved three #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Super Freaky Girl” in 2022.

38. Mos Def (Yasiin Bey)

A poet and actor with a magnetic voice, Mos Def brought depth and consciousness to the mainstream with Black on Both Sides. His collaboration with Talib Kweli as Black Star is essential listening. One of the hip hop top artists who bridged underground integrity with mainstream relevance.

Years Active: 1996–present
Chart Note: Black on Both Sides debuted at #25 on the Billboard 200 in 1999.

37. Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah made her mark not only as a rapper but as an actress, producer, and cultural icon. Her empowering lyrics and jazzy beats (as heard on Black Reign and All Hail the Queen) helped normalize women’s voices in hip hop. She earned a Grammy and long-term mainstream appeal, becoming one of the top hip hop artists of all time with influence beyond music.

Years Active: 1989–present
Chart Note: Black Reign peaked at #15 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in 1993.

36. Scarface

As the lyrical heart of the Geto Boys and a solo powerhouse, Scarface brought Southern hip hop serious acclaim. His introspective and gritty storytelling on The Diary and The Fix influenced generations, from 2Pac to Nas. A top hip hop artist of all time by every critical metric.

Years Active: 1988–2015
Chart Note: The Diary reached #2 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in 1994.

35. Cardi B

Cardi B exploded onto the scene with “Bodak Yellow” and became the first solo female rapper to win a Grammy for Best Rap Album (Invasion of Privacy). Her chart success, unfiltered personality, and massive social media influence make her one of today’s top hip hop music artists.

Years Active: 2017–present
Chart Note: “Bodak Yellow” hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2017, the first solo female rap song to top the chart in nearly 20 years.

34. Common

Common blends soul, jazz, and social consciousness like few others. From Resurrection to Be, he’s delivered consistently powerful work that’s earned him Grammys, an Oscar, and a place among hip hop’s intellectual elite. His lyricism has elevated him to classic status.

Years Active: 1992–present
Chart Note: Be debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 in 2005, his highest-charting album.

33. Gang Starr

DJ Premier’s sample-heavy beats and Guru’s cool, philosophical rhymes made Gang Starr essential to the boom bap era. Moment of Truth and Hard to Earn remain vital albums, influencing generations of East Coast MCs. As a duo, they’re undeniably among the hip hop top artists of all time.

Years Active: 1985–2006
Chart Note: Moment of Truth reached #1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in 1998.

32. Salt-N-Pepa

Salt-N-Pepa were pioneers — the first female rap group to win a Grammy and achieve mainstream success. Hits like “Push It” and “Shoop” made them icons in the 80s and 90s. They challenged gender norms and helped pave the way for future female MCs.

Years Active: 1985–2002
Chart Note: “Shoop” reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1994, their highest-charting single.

31. Missy Elliott

Missy Elliott revolutionized hip hop with her futuristic beats, groundbreaking music videos, and unmatched creativity. As a rapper, producer, and writer, she helped redefine what a hip hop artist could be. The first female rapper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Years Active: 1997–present
Chart Note: Under Construction debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 in 2002.

30. Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar has become the voice of a generation. From good kid, m.A.A.d city to DAMN. (which won a Pulitzer Prize), Kendrick blends lyrical genius with storytelling and social critique. Widely regarded as one of the top hip hop artists of all time, he redefined what rap can achieve both artistically and culturally.

Years Active: 2010–present
Chart Note: DAMN. debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 2017 and produced the #1 single “HUMBLE.”

29. The Roots

The Roots revolutionized live hip hop. With Black Thought’s intricate rhymes and Questlove’s iconic drumming, they brought musicianship to the forefront. Known for Things Fall Apart and Undun, they’ve also served as the house band for The Tonight Show. Few hip hop top artists match their live prowess and longevity.

Years Active: 1987–present
Chart Note: Things Fall Apart peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 in 1999.

28. Lil Wayne

With over 100 Billboard Hot 100 appearances, Lil Wayne is one of the top selling hip hop artists of all time. From Tha Carter III to No Ceilings, he helped define mixtape culture and paved the way for artists like Drake and Nicki Minaj. His punchline-heavy style left a lasting mark on rap.

Years Active: 1999–present
Chart Note: Tha Carter III sold over one million copies in its first week, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 2008.

27. Lauryn Hill

Though she only released one solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a certified masterpiece. Winning five Grammys and influencing countless R&B/hip hop hybrids, Lauryn’s soulful style and socially conscious lyrics make her one of the top hip hop music artists despite a short catalog.

Years Active: 1996–present
Chart Note: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 1998.

26. Kool G Rap

A pioneer of mafioso rap and complex rhyme schemes, Kool G Rap’s gritty tales from Queens set the blueprint for Nas, Big Pun, and Jay-Z. His technical ability and influence place him firmly among the hip hop top artists of the golden era.

Years Active: 1986–present
Chart Note: His 1989 album Road to the Riches peaked at #16 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

25. Kurtis Blow

The first rapper signed to a major label, Kurtis Blow helped turn hip hop into a viable music industry force. Hits like “The Breaks” and “Basketball” made him a household name in the early ’80s. A true pioneer and one of the top hip hop artists of all time.

Years Active: 1979–present
Chart Note: “The Breaks” reached #87 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980, making it the first rap single to earn Gold certification.

24. Slick Rick

Hip hop’s greatest storyteller, Slick Rick influenced everyone from Snoop Dogg to Nas. The Great Adventures of Slick Rick is an all-time classic, and his eye-patch-and-accent aesthetic made him a standout personality. A lyrical innovator with endless replay value.

Years Active: 1985–present
Chart Note: The Great Adventures of Slick Rick debuted at #31 on the Billboard 200 in 1988.

23. Snoop Dogg

Snoop brought a smooth, laid-back style to gangsta rap. His debut Doggystyle went quadruple platinum and helped define West Coast G-Funk. With decades of hits, cultural ubiquity, and international appeal, Snoop is undoubtedly one of the most iconic top hip hop artists of all time.

Years Active: 1992–present
Chart Note: Doggystyle debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 1993, selling over 800,000 copies its first week.

22. Boogie Down Productions

Led by KRS-One, Boogie Down Productions brought consciousness and battle-ready bars to the Bronx. Criminal Minded and By All Means Necessary are foundational works in hip hop history. They set the standard for lyrical activism in the genre.

Years Active: 1986–1992
Chart Note: By All Means Necessary reached #75 on the Billboard 200 in 1988.

21. Big Daddy Kane

A lyrical technician with unmatched swag, Big Daddy Kane was a standout in the late ’80s, combining rapid-fire flows with smooth delivery. A true icon in style and skill, he helped redefine MC charisma and has been cited by Jay-Z, Eminem, and Nas as a major influence.

Years Active: 1987–present
Chart Note: His album It’s a Big Daddy Thing peaked at #33 on the Billboard 200 in 1989.

20. Ice Cube

Ice Cube revolutionized West Coast rap first with N.W.A and then as a solo powerhouse. His debut album AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted blended social commentary with raw storytelling. Beyond music, he helped bring hip hop into film and television, making him one of the most influential and multifaceted top hip hop music artists ever.

Years Active: 1986–present
Chart Note: The Predator debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 1992.

19. Wu-Tang Clan

Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) changed the landscape forever. With nine core members, they created a gritty, kung fu-inspired aesthetic that spawned countless solo stars. Wu-Tang remain one of the most legendary top hip hop artists of all time.

Years Active: 1992–present
Chart Note: Wu-Tang Forever debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 1997.

18. Kanye West

Whether you love him or loathe him, Kanye West is undeniable. From The College Dropout to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Ye has redefined hip hop production and artistic ambition. With 24 Grammy wins and countless cultural moments, he’s one of the top selling hip hop artists of all time and a creative force unlike any other.

Years Active: 2004–present
Chart Note: Graduation sold nearly one million copies in its first week, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 2007.

17. Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre pioneered G-Funk and launched the careers of Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent. The Chronic and 2001 are rap masterclasses, filled with rich production and cultural weight. As a producer, entrepreneur, and tastemaker, Dre is one of the most important top hip hop artists of all time.

Years Active: 1986–present
Chart Note: 2001 debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 in 1999 and has been certified 6× Platinum.

16. A Tribe Called Quest

A Tribe Called Quest fused jazz and conscious rhymes to craft soulful, forward-thinking hip hop. Albums like The Low End Theory are universally praised. Q-Tip and Phife Dawg’s chemistry, along with their sonic innovation, helped make Tribe a staple among the most respected top hip hop music artists ever.

Years Active: 1988–2016
Chart Note: Beats, Rhymes and Life debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 1996.

15. Afrika Bambaataa

A true pioneer, Afrika Bambaataa helped lay the foundation of hip hop culture through music, DJing, and community organizing. His track “Planet Rock” fused electro-funk and rap, shaping hip hop’s sonic evolution. While controversial today, his influence on the early hip hop scene cannot be ignored.

Years Active: 1980–present
Chart Note: “Planet Rock” reached #48 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982.

14. Beastie Boys

The Beastie Boys broke boundaries for white artists in hip hop, becoming icons with Licensed to Ill and Paul’s Boutique. Their punk-infused energy and innovative music videos helped shape hip hop’s rebellious spirit. They remain one of the most culturally impactful top hip hop artists of all time.

Years Active: 1981–2012
Chart Note: Licensed to Ill was the first rap album to hit #1 on the Billboard 200 in 1987.

13. Eminem

With over 220 million records sold, Eminem is one of the top selling hip hop artists of all time. His technical skills, shock-value lyricism, and emotional transparency redefined rap in the 2000s. The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show remain cultural landmarks, earning him 15 Grammy wins.

Years Active: 1999–present
Chart Note: Eminem has 10 #1 albums on the Billboard 200, starting with The Marshall Mathers LP in 2000.

12. Outkast

André 3000 and Big Boi fused Southern funk, storytelling, and social insight to create a genre-bending sound. Aquemini and Stankonia pushed boundaries, and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below won the Grammy for Album of the Year. OutKast’s legacy is untouchable among top hip hop music artists.

Years Active: 1992–2006
Chart Note: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below spent seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 2003–2004.

11. De La Soul

De La Soul brought positivity, eclectic sampling, and quirky creativity to hip hop with 3 Feet High and Rising. Their inventive wordplay and refusal to follow mainstream formulas made them cult heroes and pioneers of the alternative hip hop movement.

Years Active: 1987–2023
Chart Note: 3 Feet High and Rising peaked at #24 on the Billboard 200 in 1989.

10. Nas

Nas burst onto the scene with Illmatic in 1994, widely regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums ever. His poetic lyricism, vivid storytelling, and street wisdom helped elevate rap to a higher literary standard. With Grammy wins and over a dozen acclaimed albums, Nas remains one of the most respected and influential top hip hop artists of all time.

Years Active: 1991–present
Chart Note: It Was Written debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 1996.

9. LL Cool J

LL Cool J helped bring hip hop into the mainstream. As one of the first artists signed to Def Jam, he balanced hardcore bars with smooth romantic hits. Tracks like “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “I Need Love” showed his versatility. LL is a two-time Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, solidifying his legacy among the top hip hop music artists.

Years Active: 1984–present
Chart Note: Mama Said Knock You Out peaked at #16 on the Billboard 200 in 1990 and went Double Platinum.

8. Eric B. & Rakim

Rakim’s complex rhyme schemes and introspective lyrics set a new bar for MCs, while Eric B.’s DJ work brought crisp, jazz-inspired beats. Paid in Full is a foundational record that shifted the trajectory of hip hop. They remain a gold standard in lyrical excellence, often cited as one of the greatest duos in hip hop history.

Years Active: 1986–1992
Chart Note: Follow the Leader peaked at #22 on the Billboard 200 in 1988.

7. The Notorious B.I.G.

Biggie’s short career yielded two of the most iconic albums in hip hop: Ready to Die andLife After Death. His storytelling, effortless flow, and charisma made him the king of East Coast rap. Songs like “Juicy” and “Hypnotize” defined an era. Despite his tragic death, he remains one of the top hip hop artists of all time.

Years Active: 1992–1997
Chart Note: Life After Death debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 1997, selling 690,000 copies in its first week.

6. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five

Pioneers of hip hop’s early days, their hit “The Message” delivered powerful social commentary and proved that rap could carry real substance. Grandmaster Flash was a technical DJ innovator, and their work helped solidify the genre’s identity. They were the first hip hop group inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Years Active: 1978–1987
Chart Note: “The Message” peaked at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982, a milestone for socially conscious rap.

5. N.W.A

N.W.A put West Coast gangsta rap on the map with Straight Outta Compton. Their raw, unapologetic lyrics challenged authority and sparked national conversations on censorship and police brutality. Members like Ice Cube and Dr. Dre became superstars, but together, N.W.A’s impact remains seismic in hip hop’s evolution.

Years Active: 1986–1991
Chart Note: Straight Outta Compton reached #37 on the Billboard 200 in 1989 and was certified 3× Platinum.

4. Jay Z

Jay-Z isn’t just a rapper—he’s a business mogul, cultural icon, and hip hop’s greatest success story. With 14 No. 1 albums, 24 Grammys, and an unmatched influence in both music and business, Hov has remained relevant across four decades. He’s among the top selling hip hop artists of all time and a blueprint for longevity.

Years Active: 1995–present
Chart Note: Jay-Z holds the record for the most #1 albums by a solo artist on the Billboard 200 (14).

3. Public Enemy

Led by Chuck D’s booming voice and Flavor Flav’s wild persona, Public Enemy turned rap into a vehicle for political resistance. It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back is a militant masterpiece. Their work remains essential listening for fans who see hip hop as a force for change.

Years Active: 1985–present
Chart Note: Fear of a Black Planet debuted at #10 on the Billboard 200 in 1990.

2. 2Pac

Tupac Shakur’s music tackled everything from systemic injustice to personal vulnerability. Albums like All Eyez on Me and Me Against the World showcased his unmatched duality—revolutionary and poet, street soldier and sensitive soul. With over 75 million records sold and posthumous cultural reverence, 2Pac is often seen as the ultimate hip hop martyr.

Years Active: 1991–1996
Chart Note: All Eyez on Me debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 1996 and was certified Diamond.

1. Run-D.M.C.

Run-D.M.C. brought hip hop to the global stage. They broke barriers on MTV, collaborated with Aerosmith, and helped usher rap into the mainstream. Their self-titled debut and Raising Hell reshaped the genre’s sound and style. As pioneers who made hip hop viable on a commercial level, they top this list of top hip hop artists of all time.

Years Active: 1981–2002
Chart Note: Raising Hell peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200 in 1986 and went 3× Platinum.

💪 Modern Hip Hop Leaders

The last five years have belonged to a new wave of rappers who blurred genre lines, dominated streaming, and became cultural icons:

Drake: The Canadian megastar is arguably the top hip hop artist of the streaming era, effortlessly switching between rap and R&B.
Kendrick Lamar: A Pulitzer Prize winner who redefined what “conscious rap” sounds like in the mainstream.
Travis Scott: Turned psychedelic trap into a stadium-sized experience and became a global brand.
J. Cole: A lyrical heavyweight who built a loyal fanbase without mainstream gimmicks.
Lil Baby: A rising giant with unmatched consistency in chart-topping hits since 2019.

🎼 Hip Hop Legends & Classics

Before Spotify and TikTok, these icons were laying the foundation. These are the top hip hop artists of all time:

Tupac Shakur: The poet-prophet of the genre, blending activism with street storytelling.
The Notorious B.I.G.: Effortless flow and unforgettable presence—a king of East Coast rap.
Jay-Z: Rap mogul, business icon, and lyrical genius with one of the deepest catalogs in music.
Eminem: A technical master and record-breaker who opened doors for white rappers.
Nas: His debut Illmatic is still hailed as one of the greatest hip hop albums ever.

📈 Top-Selling Hip Hop Artists of All Time

Here are the artists who moved the most units worldwide—true chart beasts.

Eminem: Over 220 million records sold. The top selling hip hop artist of all time.
Drake: 200+ million sold, with more #1 hits than any rapper in Billboard history.
Kanye West: 160+ million sold, with massive global reach and critical acclaim.
Jay-Z: Over 140 million sold and still charting decades later.
Nicki Minaj: Most successful female rapper in terms of sales.

How We Ranked the Top Hip Hop Artists

To create this list of the top hip hop artists of all time, we combined cultural research with hard data:

Chart performance – including Billboard Hot 100 singles, Billboard 200 albums, and RIAA Gold & Platinum certifications.
Cultural impact – slang, style, activism, and influence beyond music (film, fashion, business).
Lyrical innovation – the ability to push language, rhyme, and storytelling forward.
Legacy & influence – induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, recognition by peers, and long-term influence on future generations.
Editorial perspective – curating balance between pioneers, golden era MCs, and streaming-era megastars.

This blend ensures the ranking highlights not just who sold the most, but also who mattered most to hip hop’s evolution.

🔗 Related Articles

🎉 Conclusion: Who’s Your GOAT?

Whether you’re bumping old-school classics or vibing to new-age trap, these top hip hop artists have shaped the culture in powerful ways.

From boom-bap to Auto-Tune, they pushed boundaries and inspired millions.

Who would you crown the greatest of all time? Drop your top pick in the comments below.